If there has been one word that stands out in the Transportation Industry in 2006, it’s ACE.

ACE, Automated Commercial Environment, is US Customs’ all encompassing term to describe the ultimate goal of paperless trade in an environment of enhanced border security. 

“E-MANIFEST: TRUCKS” is the one aspect of ACE that will affect Carriers the most, but rest assured MacKinnon is not only prepared for it, we are at the forefront of this initiative, assisting US Customs’ in breaking new ground to achieve mutually beneficial goals. 

Cherise Miles, Public Affairs Officer for U.S. Customs and Border Protection had this to say, “MacKinnon Transport was among the first transport Carriers to sign up for the ACE program and transmit e-manifests.  They are really committed to the program and working together with CBP to make it a success”. 

US Customs’ will be mandating electronic manifest filing later this year. Every commercial vehicle that approaches the US border must give US Customs prior notification of arrival.  Currently, Drivers rely on Customs Brokers to relay prior notification data to US Customs.   With the implementation of ACE, the onus is transferred to the Carrier to notify US Customs of arrival, however the notification must be transmitted to US Customs electronically.   

Prior to ACE, if a Driver arrived at the US border prior to the Broker notifying US Customs, the Driver could be subject to major fines and penalties.  One obvious benefit to “E-MANIFEST: TRUCKS”, is that if a Driver arrives at the border and the electronic manifest was filed, while the Broker has not yet prepared the entry, there is no longer a risk of fines and penalties to the Driver.  

Ideally, Brokers will have the entry prepared by the time the Driver arrives at the border, in which case, a simple number known as the Shipment Control Number will provide US Customs with the manifest data submitted by the Carrier and the shipment data submitted by the Broker.  In Texas, a successful electronic manifest coupled with a timely Broker entry allowed a truck to clear Customs in 45 seconds!  Imagine that!  It is not too far from reality for MacKinnon Transport.   

By preparing for “E-MANIFEST” filing before the looming mandate, MacKinnon has been able to anticipate obstacles and proactively address issues that affect all Carriers.  MacKinnon’s contribution has included raising questions, identifying roadblocks and providing ongoing feedback to US Customs.  Working closely with Customs and the Trade Community, MacKinnon has been a leader in helping isolate key concerns related to data fields, transmission times, error reports and communication issues, making suggestions for improvement that have been instrumental to improving electronic manifest filing.  

At most ports across Canada commencing in the West and migrating East, ACE “E-MANIFEST: TRUCKS” is fully operational.  At these ports, US Customs will no longer accept a fax confirmation as proof that Carriers have taken due diligence to submit pre arrival notice.  Eliminating the dependency on Brokers brings “E-MANIFEST” one step closer to inevitable mandate, as all shipments must have an entry on file before arriving at the border, unless an “E-MANIFEST” has been submitted.  To aid in the transition to electronic manifests, MacKinnon is very pleased to announce that we have enhanced our service driven culture, by offering electronic manifest filing services to our Carrier partners!    

MacKinnon’s ongoing success filing e-manifests is due largely to patience and assistance from Don Hebert, Rick Taylor and the cooperative force of Officers at the Port of Detroit.  For one customer in particular, we successfully transmit all shipments exclusively using e-manifests.  Due to MacKinnon’s groundbreaking efforts to achieve seamless electronic filing, Don has even had the pleasure of receiving a compliment from a senior Officer at the Port of Detroit. 

Since 9/11, US Customs’ initiatives to enhance border security are continuously being introduced.  As with anything new, there are hurdles to overcome and processes to improve.   When all is said and done, Carriers will be pleased with the results that electronic manifest filing will produce.  Now, to quote John Jagt from previous issues of “The Drive Line”, in a time of constant change we must all practice “ACE-Achieving Combined Excellence” while striving to achieve “ACE-Automated Commercial Environment”. 

This is only the beginning of many more Customs initiatives, and you can be sure that MacKinnon will be front and centre, leading the way as YOUR CARRIER OF CHOICE!

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